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EDIT: Thought you all would appreciate this comment that accompanied a YT of Philip Quast singing Stars...funny...but true...

I don't care if Crowe doesn't﻿ have a "Broadway" voice, as long as he can sing with feeling and nuance. The dude basically mooed like a cow through his songs and showed NO understanding of his character's motivations. If you didn't know anything about the show before seeing the movie, you'd have no idea why Javert was obsessed with Valjean or why he killed himself. Crowe was horribly miscast here.

Amen! Eat your heart out Russel!

Thought you all might like this for comparison (and to prove that Philip can be the good guy):

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Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

pj - thanks for the post of the "Innkeeper" - always thoroughly enjoy this - it's great comic relief in the middle of a very serious story line - Alum Armstrong is his name and he's the sleaziest Innkeeper I've ever seen (and thus the best!) - the guy's very talented in his own special way - much better than the guy in the 25th Anniversary concert...

It's good to finally see the lyrics in subtitle - I always thought they were very clever and witty, but I've mis-heard some over the years - maybe it's his thick cockney accent - you know things are getting bad when you need subtitles in English for English!

Originally Posted By: piano joy

Well, we may as well exhaust Les Mis before moving on to some other musicals....

Exhaust? Not a chance...especially when we haven't even compared world class performances of one of the show's best known numbers - you be the judge...

Here's Ruthie Henshall from the 10th Anniversary concert:

And here's Lea Salonga from the 25th Anniversary concert (15 years after her role as Eponine in the 10th):

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Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

pj - thanks for the post of the "Innkeeper" - always thoroughly enjoy this - it's great comic relief in the middle of a very serious story line -...

That is my biggest problem with the movie. The production, editing. They lost all the timing of a good piece of entertainment. It was thrown together. I blame the director, producers, movie company. Yes, the comic relief is an important part of keeping the story alive. To stop it from dragging on in a monotone attitude. Bring them up, bring them down, bring them all around...That is what makes great entertainment. Dynamic range!

This is the same reason I'm not crazy about opera. It lacks dynamic range. The best in opera I personally think is: Andrea Bocelli. Because he does use dynamic range. He sings softly, as well as opera it.

Originally Posted By: TrapperJohn

It's good to finally see the lyrics in subtitle - I always thought they were very clever and witty, but I've mis-heard some over the years - maybe it's his thick cockney accent - you know things are getting bad when you need subtitles in English for English!

When I was young, I went on a Scotch ship that was in Houston. Tried talking to those people. It was a bunch of laughing and saying: Talk Slower. The english language is splitting up into different languages. I also confess, I had my southern accent rather strong then.

Originally Posted By: TrapperJohn

Originally Posted By: piano joy

Well, we may as well exhaust Les Mis before moving on to some other musicals....

Exhaust? Not a chance...especially when we haven't even compared world class performances of one of the show's best known numbers - you be the judge...

Here's Ruthie Henshall from the 10th Anniversary concert:

And here's Lea Salonga from the 25th Anniversary concert (15 years after her role as Eponine in the 10th):

I've seen a comment that Fantine is supposed to be ridiculous, with big blonde ridiculous curls. That's is how he saw Ruthie. I can't disagree more strongly. I have seen a recent interview with Mr. Schonberg. He allowed himself to say that Fantine was a dreamer. I think Mr Schonberg, Mr. Boublil, and Mr. MacIntosh have had it too good for too long. They don't have the fight in them to keep the original inspiration going anymore. Giving into other's stupid thinking. They didn't fight enough on the movie. I think: "I dreamed a dream" is so true of all of us. It is our view of the world as a child. Then realizing in our adulthood that we're in a pool of destruction. That's all this life is, destruction. Either join the destroyers, or be destroyed. When it's all over the story to reach to a higher existence in a greater love than selfish love. That is where we evolve into what we were meant to all along. A being that lives forever.

I'll see for myself. I'm picking up the book from my apartment office this morning. Have the day off. Getting some work done, and going on a job interview. Took this long for amazon to send it to me...after christmas vacation. Also, friday was a bad day weather wise. Can't belive office people had to go home early. I missed the package. I drove all day long in that miserable frozen blizzard of a mess. I wished I was in an office.

EDIT: I got the book. Geesh it is thick! Mass market publication. Typical paperback, pocketbook size. But it's two inches thick. It's more the size of a brick. Will definitely have to use my reading glasses due to the small print. This makes me want to buy a kindle, or iPad. I'm too cheap though.

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Solo - Rachmaninoff Elegie Op 3 #1, Schumann Op 12 Warum, Grillen and a few short pieces by various composersCollaboration - Concerto in C for Oboe and orchestra attributed to Haydn edited by Evelyn Rosewell and some duets

Thanks for the birthday wishes, guys (and gals)!I loved the posts....Andrea Bocelli is a favorite of mine and "Time to Say Goodbye" is pure bliss! (funny enough, I've been listening to that exact you tube video daily for a few weeks now!)

Can you believe Les Mis (movie) got a Golden Globe for best musical- well, actually, maybe it was the ONLY musical, makes sense.....oi vey!

Trap, I liked Ruthie Henshall's voice, haven't heard her sing before, I think. Show me who else has sung that song or played Fontine. Why would Fontine be "ridiculous" ? I've always pictured her character as more of sad, once-hopeful-but-now-hopeless woman whom life has beaten down.

I got the book. Geesh it is thick! Mass market publication. Typical paperback, pocketbook size. But it's two inches thick. It's more the size of a brick. Will definitely have to use my reading glasses due to the small print. This makes me want to buy a kindle, or iPad. I'm too cheap though.

Ron - I vaguely remember trudging my way thru the book, but I can't remember how many years ago - it was a mixed blessing and a real task and a half - Hugo is a writer of the highest order and the plot and characterization are complex and imaginative, but he digresses at several points at length and in depth into the politics and economics and social conditions of the times, the details of which are unnecessary to the story line and of interest probably only to geeky students of 19th century French history...but don't let that discourage you

Yes, I agree - she is good, very good - her voice is strong and sure - I always liked her Fantine a lot...at least until I saw Lea's...now, I'm not too sure - Lea just simply "nails" everything she sings, and is absolutely wonderful here, and may have a slight edge both vocally and in the strong emotion she feels and displays in the lyrics...one should always have dilemmas like this!

_________________________
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

Ron - I vaguely remember ...- Hugo is a writer of the highest order and the plot and characterization are complex and imaginative, but he digresses at several points at length and in depth into the politics and economics and social conditions of the times, ...:D

I've been caught simply by the introduction. About Hugo's life. His political involvement in France. How he was in exile. It was a political statement to his countrymen. I have read Dostoevsky. A Russian writer. Fascinating to me. How he describes life at that time. He was thrown in prison in Siberia for sharing thought. A fate many of his educated countrymen endured. As if it were against the law to be educated. I was an idiot when younger to not dive into stuff like this. I just knew I was unhappy with society. Wanted better answers. Now I have those answers and am enjoying a second childhood. I may very well spend some time lost in this novel.

Originally Posted By: TrapperJohn

Yes, I agree - she is good, very good - her voice is strong and sure - I always liked her Fantine a lot...at least until I saw Lea's...now, I'm not too sure - Lea just simply "nails" everything she sings, and is absolutely wonderful here, and may have a slight edge both vocally and in the strong emotion she feels and displays in the lyrics...one should always have dilemmas like this!

This is the one thing people hear and do not realize. It is what they try to call the X factor. The one thing that grabs a person in song. It is what comes from the heart in song. Expressing that, freely. That is what communicates something special to people. They don't even realize it. A friend of mine used to mention that people, at times, were; "Tripping". I like to think of tripping being a song. That is what it is. When the mind flows with imagination and creativity from the heart. Whethere it be singing, or playing an instrument. It is tripping.

Ron, with regards to "tripping". Whatever the word for that quality, it's ultra-important in the musical and creative arts and makes the difference between a technically correct performance and a mesmerizing, goose bump-delivering performance.

For example: ice skaters at the Olympics. Ever notice how one will skate perfectly but is rather dull to watch? Then, another one may deliver a not-so-perfect performance yet is thrilling to watch perform? Same with ballet, any type of dance- some people seem to have the ability to pour their hearts and souls into their craft and the audience is moved. Others, well...blah.

I believe it's true with artists, writers, and, of course, singers.It's that "special something" that just seems to reach another's soul.Not sure it can be taught....

It is fascinating reading a first hand account of what a guillotine is. Realizing we have only a superficial understanding of the creature. Hugo saw it's work...live. Impressive job of describing it. It is fascinating reading about his fictional Bishop. How everybody has to complain, manipulate, deceive, destroy. Man has not changed one bit. He is still the same.

Sounds like Ron is deeply immersed in The Book...hard to believe this is the same guy who wrote "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"...

I've always thought of the guillotine as being "a cut above" any other form of capital punishment (sorry, the devil made me say it!).

So, what's next on your reading list Ron? "Don Quixote"? This is brimming over with tons of wit and wisdom - a rousing read! The Man of La Mancha awaits your intense and devoted perusal...but one "brick" at a time, huh?

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Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

We've been a little remiss here so far as regards the Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals - here's my favorite song from any and all of them - from "Phantom of the Opera" Christine sings of her love and respect for her deceased father while struggling to break free of his influence and assert her independence now that she has become the lead soprano at the Paris Opera...

Here's a decent rendition by Emily Rossum from the fairly well done movie version (she looks great too, although I'm still not sure that an exposed cleavage is totally appropriate for a cemetery scene in the cold and snow ):

And here's a stirring concert version from Sarah Brightman (the actual song begins somewhere past the 2 minute mark):

The highest compliment that I can give to this hauntingly beautiful song is that it is awesome enough to be in "Les Mis"...

_________________________
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

Sounds like Ron is deeply immersed in The Book...hard to believe this is the same guy who wrote "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"...So, what's next on your reading list Ron? "Don Quixote"? ...but one "brick" at a time, huh?

I may very well read the Hunchback next. Even though you know society has changed the title. I find writers fascinating who, even though it is a fictional story, it is all based on reality. I'm prejudging that Le Notre Dame de Paris is a far greater story than we have cut it down to be. That is what fascinates me about Dostoevsky. He was hailed as a great writer by the Russian people because of his ability to capture the essence of what life was like in Russia at that time.

Originally Posted By: TrapperJohn

We've been a little remiss here so far as regards the Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals -

Here's a decent rendition by Emily Rossum from the fairly well done movie version (she looks great too, although I'm still not sure that an exposed cleavage is totally appropriate for a cemetery scene in the cold and snow ):

Gee Trapper.... My eyes have always been so glued to those huge sad brown eyes so much that I never noticed any cleavage? I also have to admit...I think Emmy has more heart in her singing than Sarah. The Phantom is another great Novel based in France. So true; The world pushes you into the sewer. You make a palace of the sewer. You then begin to experience life above and beyond anything they can even comprehend.

The French have gotten so much right in life. Their view of enjoyment. Make it a little, but obscenely good. Like their fine food. I have had the pleasure of enjoying food like that. Obscenely good.

Ok, you two, please stop with the Emmy cleavage comments- you do realize she was, perhaps, 16 years old when that movie was made? You're "grossing me out" !You can discuss Ms. Brightman's cleavage all you'd like...

Trap, I liked both versions of " Wishing....". It's obvious Sarah has more experience and her voice sounds more (what's the word) "operatic"? She might have a slight edge over Emmy, but only slight!

I am a HUGE Michael Crawford fan and this has always been a favorite of mine :

Ok, you two, please stop with the Emmy cleavage comments- you do realize she was, perhaps, 16 years old when that movie was made? You're "grossing me out" !You can discuss Ms. Brightman's cleavage all you'd like...

pj - I hope you didn't misconstrue my intentions or motives - I was only concerned for the young lady's well being, I assure you - I feared she was inadequately attired given the rather harsh meterological conditions, and might develop some nasty pulmonary and/or throat infection...as a devoted father of 3 daughters I'm all too well aware of these health hazards...

Originally Posted By: piano joy

Trap, I liked both versions of " Wishing....". It's obvious Sarah has more experience and her voice sounds more (what's the word) "operatic"? She might have a slight edge over Emmy, but only slight!

Yes, slight - if I'm not mistaken I think Sarah was the first Christine on the London stage - not sure who played the Phantom there - Michael did on Broadway (I think)...

_________________________
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

pj - I hope you didn't misconstrue my intentions or motives - I was only concerned for the young lady's well being, I assure you - I feared she was inadequately attired given the rather harsh meterological conditions, and might develop some nasty pulmonary and/or throat infection...as a devoted father of 3 daughters I'm all too well aware of these health hazards...

Trapper....where did I put my waders? It's getting deep in here!

I've watched that 100 times and I ain't seen no cleavage? Besides...Those big, huge, ever so sad, brown eyes... Every word coming out of her mouth drives that stake deeper through my heart.

Here's one that will get PJ really sick...Talking to an engineer from Saudi Arabia. Said he had three wives. Asked: When was the first?Engineer: Oh...right after college...about 22 23? How old was she?Engineer: Oh...16The second? Enginner: Oh...I was..lets see...35How old was she?Enginner: 16How about the third?Engineer: I was 48How old was she?Engineer: (very nonchalantly).... 16

EDIT: Oh I think I get it!? Eyes are considered cleavage! Yes! Ain't I smart!?

Here's one that will get PJ really sick...Talking to an engineer from Saudi Arabia. Said he had three wives. Asked: When was the first?Engineer: Oh...right after college...about 22 23? How old was she?Engineer: Oh...16The second? Enginner: Oh...I was..lets see...35How old was she?Enginner: 16How about the third?Engineer: I was 48How old was she?Engineer: (very nonchalantly).... 16

Back on track, here's a really nice retrospective of some of Rogers & Hammerstein's finest - a trip down memory lane - a taste of the best Broadway had to offer for decades (the music that won me over to musicals):

The great thing here is that there are a number of other retrospectives one could make up of their work, each one featuring equally delightful and totally different songs!

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Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

I personally want hard core love. The kind of love that loves in the face of destruction. The kind of love that is greater than death.

Good luck with that.

Thank You. Why do you think I'm going through all the trouble to drive to Denver to see Les Miserables? If all I want is music. I can go to the local bar. LesMis is so famous because it condemns the worship of mammon. The worship of power. The practice of such, simply procreates more of the same. The opposite is Love. Which even effects a band of outlaws who steal riches from the altar of a Cathedral. Only to give those riches to a Bishop who spreads nothing but love.

Originally Posted By: TrapperJohn

Would you settle for a death that is more needless and tragic than most?

Absolutely! What you see as needless and tragic. I see a tragedy, yes. But a man who has tasted of love. Realizes he has been a fool, in a society of fools, who only know how to destroy. They know nothing of love. Even though they claim to know God. They know only mammon. They know not the power of God. They know only the power of destruction. He has no out. To leave his job means execution. Condemning himself condemns the society he has believed in, and saves his soul.

All this and more, inspired a glorious musical play. To get at people's hearts through that which they love most; entertainment. How beautifully righteous!